Multilayer disposable bib

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a disposable bib having a collar portion, a chest portion, and a removable wipe portion located below the collar portion. The bib is in the form of a multi-layer panel having a top layer, a bottom layer and an intermediate layer disposed between the top and bottom layers. The top and bottom layers are each formed of a permeable non-woven material. The intermediate layer is absorbent, e.g., includes superabsorbent polymer particles and cellulose fibers. The collar portion includes a pair of tabs, e.g., VELCRO® fasteners, to enable the collar portion to be releasably secured around the neck of the wearer, with the chest portion disposed over the wearer&#39;s chest. The wipe portion is releasably secured to the bib so that it can be removed from the bib to be used to wipe the mouth of the wearer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This utility application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 62/069,586, filed on Oct. 28, 2014, entitled Multi-layer Disposable Bib, and 62/092,605, filed on Dec. 16, 2014, entitled Multi-layer Disposable Bib, the entire disclosures of both of which are incorporated by reference herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

“Not Applicable”

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK

“Not Applicable

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to disposable bibs, and more particularly to disposable bibs for the collection and retention of liquid matter and the protection of clothing.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Many types of bibs are known to protect the clothing and skin of infants and the elderly from spills and saliva. Other bibs protect a food preparer from liquids that would otherwise get on the wearer's clothing during food preparation, cooking and serving. Theses known bibs suffer from disadvantages including a thin absorbent layer which keeps liquid at the surface of the bib, resulting in damp skin around the neck area or leakage onto the skin or clothing. Current bibs have little if any absorbing properties within the bib to redirect moisture from the surface of the bib and the wearer's neck area.

The patent literature includes various patents relating to bibs. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,269 (Smith et al.) discloses a combination garment bib system that includes a garment having an absorbent layer backed by a fluid impermeable layer positioned in front of the neck opening of the garment and a bib having an absorbent layer backed by a fluid impermeable layer. The bib is attachable to the garment at the front of the neck opening such that the bib provides the primary protection while the garment provides an additional protective element. U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,289 (Lehrer) discloses a baby bib including a first panel being of an elongated construction and having a pair of opposed leg segments extending upwardly to serve as a closure about the neck of the wearer. A neck liner embraces a portion of the periphery of the panel in the area including at least a portion of the legs, and is of a construction which provides a snug and flexible line of contact between the bib and the neck. A second panel of an absorbent material may be removably mounted upon the first panel. The first panel includes a pocket located at a lower edge to collect materials which fall upon the bib and are not retained by the second panel. U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,665 (Morgado) discloses an addition to a flat baby bib. The bib has an attached roll of soft, absorbent fabric, (terrycloth, quilting, etc.), to catch the liquid that so often runs out of a new baby's mouth as he drinks from a bottle. The outside of the roll has Velcro patches that allow positioning on the bib wherever is needed to catch the drips. After the bottle is finished, the roll of wet fabric can be removed from the bib, leaving it dry and wearable longer. The roll of material can be unsnapped for washing ease. U.S. Pat. No. 6,122,771 (Cook et al.) discloses an interchangeable bib having a triangularly shaped neck engaging section, a body encompassing section and a variety of ways for securing the body encompassing section to the neck engaging section. The two upper ends of a downwardly pointing isosceles triangle are joinable about the neck of the wearer to hold the bib in place, and the body encompassing section can be frequently changed to provide a clean section or a differently decorated section as desired. U.S. Pat. No. 6,493,879 (Hibler) discloses a self-adhering protective overlay employing a flexible sheet having a front surface, a back surface, and a periphery, with a pressure sensitive adhesive applied substantially to the periphery on the back surface. In one embodiment, a release sheet is removably adhered to the pressure sensitive adhesive prior to use. After the release sheet is removed, the flexible sheet may be used and re-adhered to the release sheet for subsequent use. In an alternate embodiment, a plurality of protective overlays, without the addition of the release sheet, are arranged in a stack wherein individual flexible sheets may be separated from the stack, used, and then disposed or re-adhered to the stack for subsequent use.

While various commercially available prior art bibs and the bibs of the aforementioned patents are generally suitable for their intended purposes, they still leave much to be desired from the standpoint of simplicity of construction, ease of use, and effectiveness. Thus a need exists for a better bib. The bibs of the subject invention address that need.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed matter.

In accordance with one aspect of this invention there a disposable bib is provided. The bib comprises a collar portion, a chest portion, and a removable wipe portion. The chest portion comprises a multi-layer panel having a top layer, a bottom layer and an intermediate layer disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer. The top, bottom and intermediate layers are fixedly secured together. The top layer and the bottom layer are each formed of a permeable non-woven material, e.g., a non-woven polypropylene sheet. The intermediate layer is absorbent, e.g., is formed of a core of superabsorbent polymer particles and wood fibers. The collar portion includes a pair of tabs configured to be releasably secured together, whereupon the collar portion can be extended about the neck of a wearer, e.g., a baby, so that said chest portion is disposed on the chest of the wearer with said bottom layer confronting the chest of the wearer. The wipe portion is releasably secured to the chest panel, e.g., is located at the bottom of the chest panel by a perforated line, and is configured to be removed from the chest portion, whereupon the removed wipe portion can be used to wipe the mouth of the wearer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention will be described in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of the multi-layer disposable bib constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a more enlarged sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a more enlarged sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the various figures of the drawing wherein like reference characters refer to like parts, there is shown in FIG. 1 a disposable bib 20 constructed in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of this invention. While the scope of applicability of the present invention should be apparent to those skilled in the art, it must be understood that the detailed description below is directed to one preferred embodiment of the invention. That embodiment is given by way of illustration only. Thus, the invention is not limited to the precise construction, arrangements and features of the bib shown and may be embodied in many different forms.

The bib 20 basically comprises a member having three portions or sections, namely, a collar portion 22, a chest portion 24 and a wipe portion 26. The collar portion 22 is configured to be wrapped around the neck and adjacent portions of the shoulders of a wearer, e.g., a baby, such that the chest portion 24 is disposed over and covering the wearer's chest. The chest portion 24 serves the function of a conventional bib, i.e., it protect the wearer's chest and any clothing on the wearer's chest from becoming soiled by any liquid when the bib is in place on the wearer and the wearer is eating or being fed. The wipe portion 26 is releasably secured to the chest portion, so that when desired it can be removed from the chest portion and used to wipe the mouth and/or face of the wearer of the bib or be used as a burping pad.

The bib 20 shaped like a standard bib, e.g., it may be rectangular, circular, or of any other shape, be it a regular geometric shape or an irregular geometric shape. In the exemplary embodiment shown the collar portion and the chest portion together are of a generally rectangular shape, with rounded corners. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of this invention the length of the collar portion 22 is approximately 5.5 inches, the length of the chest portion 24 is approximately 5.75 inches, and the width of the collar and chest portions is approximately 7.25 inches. The chest portion 24 has a lower edge 24A at which the wipe portion 26 is releasably secured. The wipe portion 26 is also of generally rectangular shape with rounded corners, but is of shorter length than the combined length of the chest portion and the collar portion. In particular, in the exemplary embodiment shown the combined length of the collar portion and the chest portion, measured from the upper edge of the collar portion to the lower edge 24A is approximately 11.25 inches, while the length of the wipe portion, i.e., the length from the lower edge 24 of the chest portion to the lower edge 26A of the wipe portion is approximately 4 inches. The width of the wipe portion 26 is approximately 12 inches.

It should be noted that the foregoing dimensions are merely exemplary and thus the bib can be of any size suitable for its desired purpose. Moreover, the generally rectangular shape of the exemplary bib is also exemplary. Hence, as stated above the bib can be of any other regular or irregular shape.

In any case the entire bib 20 is in the form of a thin flexible body or panel composed of three layers, which are best seen in the enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 2. In particular, the bib includes a top or outer layer 28, a bottom or inner layer 30, and an intermediate layer 32 located between the outer and inner layers. The outer and inner layers are each formed of a web or sheet of a non-woven, liquid permeable material, e.g., a polypropylene non-woven sheet. The intermediate layer absorbent and in the preferred exemplary embodiment is constructed like the core of conventional disposable diapers, i.e., it basically comprises a sheet composed standard density thermal bonded airlaid grade thermally fusible bi-component fibers, superabsorbent polymer powder or particles, e.g., absorbent gel particles, and cellulose, e.g., wood fibers. The outer layer 28 may be colored or may bear decorative indicia, e.g., may have a decorative pattern printed thereon.

The portion of the bib 20 making up the interface between the bottom edge 24A of the chest portion and the top edge 26B of the wipe portion 26 is in the form of a narrow strip 34 which is preferably devoid of the absorbent intermediate layer 32 material and hence merely consists of the outer and inner layers 28 and 30, respectively. The strip 34 is approximately 0.25 inch in length and approximately 5 inches in width. The strip 34 is frangible so that it can be torn to remove the wipe portion 26 from the remainder of the bib. To that end, the strip is perforated by a line of perforations 36 extending across the width of the interface. Thus, a user can tear the wipe portion 26 from the bib, by tearing the bib along the perforated line 36. This action frees the wipe portion 26 so that it can be used to wipe the mouth and face of the wearer.

It should be pointed out at this juncture that the portion of the bib making up the interface between the bottom of the chest portion and the top of the wipe portion can be only a single layer, i.e., either the outer layer 28 or the inner layer 30, whichever is desired, instead of being formed by both layers. In fact, the interface, if desired can include the intermediate layer, i.e., can be composed of the outer layer, the intermediate layer and the inner layer. In any case the line of perforations will extend through the layer(s) so that when the bib is torn along that line of perforation the wipe portion is separated from the remainder of the bib.

The collar portion 22 is in the form of a generally circular opening 38 located in the upper portion of the bib and centered between the bib's side edges. The circular opening 38 is arranged to receive the neck of the wearer when the bib is in place. Thus, a bib designed for a baby can have an opening whose circumference is approximately 12 inches. The top edge portion of the collar is in the form of a pair of tabs 40 and 42 extending towards each other from the respective side edges of the bib. The inner edges of the tabs form respective portions of the circular opening 38. The two tabs are configured to be overlapped and releasably secured together to adjust the size of the opening 38 to the anatomy of the wearer. To that end, the inner surface of the tab 40 includes a connector for releasable securement to a cooperating connector on the outer surface of the tab 42 when the tabs are overlapped. In the preferred embodiment of this invention the connectors on the tabs are in the form of respective components of a two component multi-hook, multi-loop or plush connector system, like that sold under the trademark VELCRO®. In particular, as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3 a strip of the plush or multi-loop VELCRO® connector component 44 is located on the inner surface of the tab 42, while a strip of the multi-hook VELCRO® connector component 46 is located on the outer surface of the tab 44 as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4. The tab 40 can then be placed over the tab 42 at any desired position therealong to secure the two VELCRO® connector components together to adjust the size of the collar so that it fits snuggly, yet comfortably around the neck of the wearer. This action ensures that food or liquids don't pass through the interface between the collar portion and the neck of the wearer.

It should be noted at this juncture, that while the preferred exemplary embodiment of the bib as disclosed herein makes use of VELCRO® connector components to connect the two tabs together to encircle the neck of the wearer, other fasteners or connectors could be used on the tabs, such as adhesive strips.

The bib 20 can be made in various ways. For example, it can be made by a process where the absorbent inner-core or layer 32 is vacuum formed, then attached to a permeable (e.g., non-woven) top sheet which forms the outer layer 28 and to the permeable (e.g., non-woven) bottom sheet which forms the inner layer 30. As is known, non-wovens are different from traditional fabrics because of the way they are made. Traditional fabrics are made by weaving together fibers of silk, cotton, polyester, wool, etc., to create an interlocking regular network of fibers. Non-wovens are typically made from plastic resins, such as nylon, polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene and are assembled by mechanically, chemically, or thermally interlocking the plastic fibers. There are two primary methods of assembling nonwovens, the wet laid process and the dry laid process. A dry laid process, such as the “melt-blown” method, is typically used to make non-woven disposable fabrics. In this method the plastic resin is melted and extruded, or forced, through tiny holes by air pressure. As the air-blown stream of fibers cools, the fibers condense onto a sheet. Heated rollers are then used to flatten the fibers and bond them together. Polypropylene is typically the material used for the permeable top and bottom sheets.

The layers 28, 32 and 30 are preferably joined or sealed together to form the bib by heat or ultrasonic sealing, although other methods of securing the layers together are contemplated. For example, the three layers of the bib may be adhesively secured together.

In any case, the absorbent nature of the intermediate layer or core 32 enables it to retain fluids which pass through the permeable top layer 28. The construction of the wipe portion 26, being similar to that of the chest section provides it with the ability to retain fluids in a manner similar to the manner in which the core of the chest portion absorbs and retains fluids therein. In this regard, the cellulose fibers of the core layer 32 act as myriad of tiny straws sucking up water faster to avoid gel blocking. The superabsorbent polymer particles or powder and combined with the fibrous material provide the core layer with the most efficient absorbency possible. In this regard, as is known a typical super absorbent polymer may absorb approximately 400 times its own mass of distilled water and almost 300 times its mass of tap water.

The appealing features of the disposable bib include its convenience and practicality. In this regard, the disposable nature of the bib greatly reduces the time-consuming job of washing non-disposable, e.g., cloth, baby bibs, leaving a busy parent more time to interact with his or her child. As is known, bibs are commonly worn by infants not only at meal times, but at various times throughout the day. Teething babies and toddlers tend to drool excessively and may saturate as many as eight or ten bibs in a day. When the disposable bib, constructed in accordance with this invention, becomes saturated, it can simply be removed and replaced with a new disposable bib. This offers a considerable advantage over prior art non-disposable (cloth) bibs, inasmuch as constantly wearing a damp cloth on the neck and chest could result in chapping and rashes, as well as chills. The disposable bib of the subject invention, having a highly absorbent core which is isolated from the wearer by the non-woven inner layer, prevents the wearer from being wet even for very heavy droolers. Instead the wearer stays dry and comfortable.

Bibs constructed in accordance with this invention are sanitary and convenient. For outings with the baby a few disposable bibs could be packed in a purse or baby bag. Moreover, with the disposable bib, parents would not have to return from an outing with a quantity of wet bibs to launder.

An adult-sized version of the disposable bib is contemplated to be especially useful for individuals who have physical conditions that cause them to drool. People who have had strokes or have other medical conditions that limit neuromuscular control may find the disposable bib of this invention particularly useful. Thus disposable bibs of this invention have particular suitability for usage in nursing homes, hospitals, and home care agencies for use with elderly and disabled patients.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art an important property of the disposable bib of this invention is its ability to absorb and retain significant moisture. Cotton material used in cloth bibs and diapers while reasonably absorbent, cannot compare to the absorbency of a bib like that of the subject invention since the synthetic polymer particles of the core far exceed the capacity of natural fibers. As discussed earlier the inner-core is composed of two essential elements, namely, hydrophilic, or water-loving polymer particles and a fibrous material, such as wood pulp. The bib's mouth-wipe portion is made with like elements. The polymer is made of fine particles of an acrylic acid derivative, such as sodium acrylate, potassium acrylate, or an alkyl acrylate. These polymeric particles act as tiny sponges that retain many times their weight in water. Microscopically these polymer molecules resemble long chains or ropes. Portions of these chemical “ropes” are designed to interact with water molecules. Other parts of the polymer have the ability to chemically link with different polymer molecules in a process known as cross linking. When a large number of these polymeric chains are cross linked, they form a gel network that is not water soluble but that can absorb vast amounts of water. Polymers with this ability are referred to as hydrogels, super absorbents, or hydrocolloids. Depending on the degree of cross linking, the strength of the gel network can be varied. This is an important property because gel strength is related to the tendency of the polymer to deform or flow under stress. If the strength is too high the polymer will not retain enough water. If it's too low the polymer will deform too easily, and the outermost particles of the inner-core will absorb water too quickly, forming gel that blocks water from reaching the primary inner-cores particles. This problem, known as gel blocking, can be overcome by dispersing wood pulp fibers throughout the polymer matrix. These wood fibers act as thousands of tiny straws which suck up water faster and disperse it through the matrix more efficiently to avoid gel blocking. Manufacturers have optimized the combinations of polymer and fibrous material to yield the most efficient absorbency possible.

The absorbent inner-core of the disposable bib can be made in various ways. Preferably it is formed on a movable conveyer belt that passes through a long “forming chamber.” At various points in the chamber, pressurized nozzles spray either polymer particles or fibrous material onto the conveyor surface. The bottom of the conveyor is perforated, and as the pad material is sprayed onto the belt, a vacuum is applied from below so that the fibers are pulled down to form a flat innercore.

At least two methods are available to incorporate absorbent polymers into the exemplary inner-core. In one method the polymer is injected into the same feed stock that supplies the fibers. This method produces an inner-core that has absorbent polymer dispersed evenly throughout its entire length, width, and thickness. The problem associated with this method is loss of absorbency because the fine particles are pulled through the perforations in the conveyor by the vacuum. It is therefore expensive and messy. This method also causes the inner-core to absorb unevenly. Absorbency is lost from only one side and not the other. A second method of applying polymer and fiber involves application of the absorbent material onto the top surface of the inner-core after it has been formed. This method produces an inner-core which has absorbent material concentrated on its top side and does not produce much absorbency throughout the inner-core. Another disadvantage is that an inner-core made by this method may lose some of the polymer applied to its surface. Furthermore, this approach tends to cause gel blocking, since all the absorbency is on the outside of the inner-core. The moisture gets trapped in this outer layer and does not have a chance to diffuse to the center. This blockage holds moisture against the skin and can lead to discomfort for the wearer. These problems are solved by controlling the mixture polymer and fibrous material. Multiple spray dispensers are used to apply several layers of polymer and fiber. As the fiber is drawn into the chamber and the bottom of the inner-core is formed, a portion of the polymer is added to the mix to form a layer of combined polymer and fiber. Then, more pure fiber is pulled on top to give a sandwich effect. This formation creates an inner-core with the absorbent polymer confined to its center, surrounded by fibrous material. Gel blockage is not a problem because the polymer is concentrated within the inner-core. It also solves the problem of particle loss since all the absorbent polymer is surrounded by fibrous material. Finally, this process is more cost effective because it distributes the polymer just where it is needed.

After the inner-core has received a full dose of fiber and polymer, it proceeds down the conveyor path to a leveling roller near the outlet of the forming chamber. This roller removes a portion of the fiber at the top of the inner-core to create a uniform thickness. The inner-core then moves out the conveyor through the outlet for subsequent operations to form the complete disposable bib fabric. While not being limited to a particular theory, the sheets of nonwoven fabric can be formed in various ways. For example, they can be produced from a wide roll known as a “web,” which is then cut to the appropriate width for use in the process of disposable bibs production. There is a web for the top sheet and another for the bottom sheet. It should be noted that this step does not necessarily occur in sequence after inner-core formation because the nonwoven fabrics are often made in a separate location. When the manufacturer is ready to initiate the disposable bib production these large bolts of fabric are connected to special roller equipment that feeds fabric to the assembly line.

At this point in the process there are still three separate components, the absorbent inner-core, the top sheet, and the bottom sheet. These three components are in long strips and must be joined together and cut into disposable bib-size units. This is accomplished by feeding the absorbent inner-core onto a conveyor with the polypropylene bottom sheet. The polypropylene top sheet is then fed into place, and the compiled sheets are joined by gluing, heating, or ultrasonic welding to thereby form the collar, chest and wipe portions. Then the VELCRO® connector components (or adhesive tape or other connectors which act as closures for the collar portion) can be provided on the portion of the bib making up the tabs. The long roll is can then be cut into individual disposable bibs, each bib having an associated disposable bib mouth-wipe, and each bib folded, and packaged for shipping.

As should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, bibs constructed in accordance with this invention, being disposable, enable parents or other care givers to save time and energy by eliminating the need to launder the bib if it was not disposable. When in placed on the wearer, it keeps a wearer's neck, chest and clothing clean and dry throughout the day. The attached/detachable disposable mouth-wipe can assist in keeping the wearer's face, mouth and chin clear of saliva, food, and drink. In addition, to the appeal the bib of this invention has for parents, it is also appealing to the owners and operators of day care facilities. Individuals providing private baby-sitting services within their homes would also find this invention appealing. Thus, the disposable bibs of this invention could be used by individuals in nursing homes, hospitals or home care environment.

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. In other words, the concept of the present invention may be readily applied to a variety of embodiments, including those disclosed herein. Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully illustrate the invention that others may, by applying current future knowledge; readily adapt the same for use under various conditions of service. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A disposable bib comprising a collar portion, a chest portion, and a removable wipe portion, said chest portion comprising a multi-layer panel having a top layer, a bottom layer and an intermediate layer disposed between said top layer and said bottom layer, said top, bottom and intermediate layers being fixedly secured together, said top layer and said bottom layer being formed of a permeable non-woven material, said intermediate layer being absorbent, said collar portion including a pair of tabs configured to be releasably secured together, whereupon said collar portion can be extended about the neck of a wearer so that said chest portion is disposed on the chest of the wearer with said bottom layer confronting the chest of the wearer, said wipe section being releasably secured to said chest panel, and being configured to be removed from said chest portion, whereupon said removed wipe portion can be used to wipe the mouth of the wearer.
 2. The disposable bib of claim 1 wherein each tab of said pair of tabs includes a respective component of a hook and loop fastening system.
 3. The disposable bib of claim 1 wherein said non-woven material of said top layer and said bottom layer comprises polypropylene.
 4. The disposable bib of claim 1 wherein said intermediate layer comprises super absorbent polymer particles and cellulose fibers.
 5. The disposable bib of claim 3 wherein said intermediate layer comprises super absorbent polymer particles and cellulose fibers.
 6. The disposable bib of claim 1 wherein said wipe portion comprises a multi-layer body having a top layer, a bottom layer and an intermediate layer disposed between said top layer and said bottom layer, said top, bottom and intermediate layers being fixedly secured together, said top layer and said bottom layer being formed of a permeable non-woven material, said intermediate layer being absorbent.
 7. The disposable bib of claim 6 wherein said non-woven material of said top layer and said bottom layer comprises polypropylene.
 8. The disposable bib of claim 6 wherein said intermediate layer comprises super absorbent polymer particles and cellulose fibers.
 9. The disposable bib of claim 7 wherein said intermediate layer comprises super absorbent polymer particles and cellulose fibers.
 10. The disposable bib of claim 1 wherein said chest section includes a bottom edge located opposite said collar portion, and wherein said wipe portion is releasably secured to said bottom edge.
 11. The disposable bib of claim 10 wherein said wipe portion is releasably secured to said chest portion by a perforated line.
 12. The disposable bib of claim 6 wherein said chest section includes a bottom edge located opposite said collar portion, and wherein said wipe portion is releasably secured to said bottom edge.
 13. The disposable bib of claim 12 wherein said wipe portion is releasably secured to said chest portion by a perforated line.
 14. The disposable bib of claim 1 wherein said collar portion has a length of approximately 5.5 inches, said chest portion has a length of approximately 5.75 inches and wherein said collar portion and said chest portion have a width of approximately 7.25 inches.
 15. The disposable bib of claim 14 wherein said wipe portion has a length of approximately 4 inches and a width of approximately 12 inches. 